New NRL digital network launched

Share on social media

The Vodafone Warriors' website and app have undergone a major revamp as part of the NRL's total redesign of its game-wide digital properties.

Officially launched today, the makeover takes rugby league into a new digital age.

The changes give Vodafone Warriors members, fans and players more information about the game than ever before. All 16 clubs as well as the New South Wales and Queensland Rugby Leagues benefit from the redesign.

Highlights of the new NRL Network include:

• A refreshed NRL Official App and NRL.com website, taking fans closer to the action than ever before, with live replays and extended highlights packages;

• Redesigned websites and mobile apps for all NRL Clubs, together with New South Wales Rugby League and Queensland Rugby League sites;

• A true focus on mobile-first experiences – with research showing 70% of current traffic is mobile-based;

• More articles, videos, podcasts, images and features across all sites than ever before, and;

• New Fantasy and Tipping websites and apps coming in 2018, with improved game-play, features and content.

The launch also marks the official start of the code’s own digital media teams, which will support and publish content across the game’s digital products.

The NRL Network will also house an extensive library of imagery and vision from throughout the game’s history.

NRL Chief Executive, Todd Greenberg confirmed this was one of the biggest and most significant projects the game had ever undertaken and thanked Telstra for its continued support and partnership throughout the process.

“This is an exciting moment for Rugby League and is part of our ‘fan-first’ approach,” Mr Greenberg said.

“Within a single, high-speed and personalised network, fans can access the latest club and player news, receive offers on the best-priced tickets and merchandise for matches and events and live-stream NRL games via the NRL Official App.”

NRL Chief Digital and Data Officer, Rebekah Horne said the new NRL Network provided the game with the ability to deliver greater levels of real-time content to fans, as well as providing enhanced commercial capabilities for clubs, states and sponsors.

“We’ve seen many sports both nationally and internationally develop their own product and service offerings as fans continue to consume, comment and share content as it happens,” Ms Horne said.

“Ultimately, it comes down to fans being able to access and enjoy their rugby league experience wherever they are; whether that’s at home, on the go, or at a game.

“There has been a lot of collaboration across the game leading to this moment.

“The first thing we did when we started this process was talk to our fans.

“We wanted to hear from them as to how we could better provide a compelling entertainment experience, as well as getting closer to the game they love.

“Today is the start of a continued listening and engaged network and we look forward to delivering a range of experiences and content that our fans, partners and stakeholders want.”

Telstra Media’s Director of Product Development & Innovation, Rebecca Haagsma said the launch and collaboration with the NRL was another example of Telstra’s credentials as a world-class technology company.

“The NRL Network gives fans even more reasons to download and engage with the NRL Official app and digital assets in the season ahead,” Ms Haagsma said.

“We are very pleased to bring the new NRL Live app to market alongside the NRL’s new digital assets – we think it’s a great experience and we look forward to season 2018 and bringing the game to Telstra customers live, fast and data-free again.”

To download and update the new NRL Official Live app, go to the IOS and Google Play stores.